“The Family Next Door” by Sally Hepworth
There sure is a lot of drama in the suburb of Pleasant Court. Fran, Ange, and Essie, all married with children, are all surface level friends. Everyone thinks the family next door is so perfect. Then Isabelle moves in – single, no children.
But behind closed doors, all have their secrets. Like Fran, who compulsively runs several times a day. She also is reluctant to leave baby Ava in the care of her husband Nigel. Ange must be in control of every part of her life, almost to the point of neurosis. The biggest secret is probably Essie’s when three years ago, she took her baby Mia to the park and returned without her. Fortunately nothing happened to Mia but after Essie’s psychotic break her mother Barbara moved next door to help look after Essie and Mia and now the new baby Polly.
Isabelle seems to be the catalyst that begins the unraveling of the carefully guarded secrets. As Essie and Isabelle develop an especially close bond, it becomes apparent that Isabelle had a specific reason for moving to Pleasant Court.
This book is a quick read and kept me turning the pages, eager to know what happens next. It was told from the viewpoints of all five ladies. It a story of female relationships, love, family, betrayal, and moving forward. But I was left with a sense of unfulfillment. (Is that a word?) I felt there were subplots thrown in to deliberately bring the women together but then that subplot went nowhere. I also felt that the ending was rushed and wrapped up a bit too neatly, although not as I had expected (surprise!). I still felt it was a quick, fun read. Good for an escape day. Relax on the lounge with some coffee/tea/wine and enjoy your visit to Pleasant Court.

An exclusive neighborhood, a safe neighborhood, a neighborhood with couples and children. Added to this perfect place came a single woman who didn't really fit it, but wanted to get to know everyone.

Who could Isabelle be, and why would she move into this neighborhood that she really didn't fit into?

Each of the five main characters tried to be friends, but each has something to hide or something they aren't happy about.

I also questioned if the husbands had something to hide as well.

Ange always has to be in control, but we don't know why.

Essie has problems being a mother.

Fran has a secret she finally reveals to her husband.

Barbara is Essie's mother and a perfect mother and grandmother.

Isabelle is the questionable one.

Lucas seems to be a lady's man.

Ben does seem sweet, but withdrawn.

Nigel seems clueless about everything even though he is brilliant.

THE FAMILY NEXT DOOR doesn't refer to one family but to all the families in the neighborhood. They all seem to have access to each other's homes and all seem to be involved in each other's lives, except for the secrets.

At the beginning it seems like a soap opera, but don't be fooled. It is wonderful and heartwarming.

The ending is a marvelous revelation of a lot of secrets and a lot of love.

ENJOY when you read Ms. Hepworth's newest gem. 4/5

I received this book free of charge and without compensation by the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Didn't see it coming!!! Fantastic story, great characters, surprises galore in this novel about any ole neighborhood. Goes to show that you don't know what goes on behind closed doors and the past can come back to haunt you!! Definitely recommend this one!!!